Courts / Wicklow / Report
Six years for Garda's sex attack on woman he imprisoned in station
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, William Ryan, a 41‑year‑old Garda, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for three counts of sexual assault and one count of false imprisonment. The offences occurred on 29 September 2020 at Aughrim Garda Station, where Ryan prevented a woman from leaving the station, sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, and held her captive. The victim, whose identity is protected, described feeling "broken" and "degraded" during the trial and testified that Ryan's version of events was false and "badly‑written erotica." Ryan admitted guilt, resigned from the force, and had no prior convictions. Judge Elma Sheahan set a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to six years after mitigation, and backdated it to the time Ryan entered custody. The sentence reflects the breach of trust inherent in the offence. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing long‑term psychological harm and the effect on her family.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Six years for Garda's sex attack on woman he imprisoned in station. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- September 29, 2020 Incident
- 2025-02-10 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Photo: Collis) A garda who falsely imprisoned and sexually assaulted a woman in a Co Wicklow station has been jailed for six years, with his wife telling the sentencing court that her husband is a "gentle, selfless family man". Judge Sheahan set a headline sentence of eight years, which she reduced to six years taking mitigation into account, including Ryan's prior good character, long work history and family situation.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- the woman at Aughrim Garda Station
- Aughrim
- complainant from leaving Aughrim Garda Station
- had gone to the garda station
- she come to the garda station
Topics
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